Recent updates on English language requirement for Australia Partner Visas
The 2020-21 Federal Budget contains an update related to the Department of Home Affairs and the migration program.
The current 2020-21 Migration Program Planning level will remian at 160,000 places.
In a noticeable departure from the traditional migration composition, the government has placed greater emphasis on family stream visas, raising the planning level from 47,732 to 77,300 places on a ‘one-off basis’ for this program year.
Onshore visa applicants and Partner visa applicants where the relevant sponsor resides in a designated regional area, will be prioritised for the Migration Program for the 2020-21 program year.
Family stream program and Parner visas
Partner visas – the mandatory family sponsorship provisions for Partner visas will be implemented, requiring character checks and sharing of personal information with the applicant, and enforceable sponsorship obligations. 72,300 of the 77,300 places in the family stream will be allocated to partner applicants.
English language requirements will be introduced for Partner visa applicants AND the sponsor, to enhance social cohesion and economic participation outcomes.
The test also applies to an applicant’s spouse if they are a permanent resident rather than an Australian citizen. Foreign partners coming to Australia will soon have to demonstrate they can speak English in order to be granted a permanent visa.
Partner visa applicants and their spouses, provided they are a permanent resident, will need to demonstrate they’ve made reasonable efforts to learn English.
If you would like to find out more about the current visa conditions of Australian Partner Visas or discuss your visa options further and evaluate which pathway to take, please contact No Borders Migration.